Get matched with top pressure washers in Boulder, MT

It is possible to pressure wash your deck, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.

The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for cleaning vinyl siding can vary, so it's best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines. Generally, vinyl siding can handle high pressure, from 2,500 to 3,500 PSI. For comparison, more delicate materials like wood and aluminum siding should not face more than 1,500 PSI. To safely disperse the pressure on vinyl, use a tip with a wider spray span, such as a green (25-degree) or yellow (15-degree) nozzle. For routine cleaning of light dirt, a garden hose with a spray nozzle may be sufficient. Always exercise caution to avoid using excessive pressure that could damage the siding.

This process doesn’t necessarily require soap or detergent, but it definitely helps. You can get by with just using water, but remember, brick requires a lower-than-average pressure level when compared to concrete, so forgoing detergent increases the time it takes to spot clean stains and debris once you finish with the pressure washer. Brick is especially porous, so the less water you use on it, the better.

On average, pressure washing a house can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. The time frame to pressure wash or power wash your home, fence, or other property depends on the size of the project and the complexity and accessibility of the areas that need cleaning. Part of the time required to complete the job includes setup and removal of equipment needed. A two-story house with a steep roof may require working from scaffolding or a ladder, likely adding to the time required to finish the project.